Xenophobia: 105 Nigerians Killed in South Africa in 7 Years

Xenophobia Fears Rise in South Africa

Xenophobia: 105 Nigerians Killed in South Africa in 7 Years

The Nigerian community in South Africa has raised fresh concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in the country, revealing that no fewer than 105 Nigerians have been killed in the last seven years amid recurring xenophobic violence and attacks on migrants . Leaders of the community said the deaths were linked to mob attacks, shootings, alleged police brutality, vigilante violence, and other unresolved incidents involving foreign nationals .

The concerns were contained in a statement jointly signed by Smart Nwobi of the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) and Frank Onyekwelu of the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) . The group was reacting to reports credited to South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) , which reportedly suggested that migrants were not being deliberately targeted or killed in the country . However, the Nigerian community strongly rejected the claim, insisting that several incidents involving Nigerians had either been ignored or downplayed over the years .

“Denying or minimising the concerns raised by migrant communities risks discouraging victims and witnesses from reporting abuses and undermines efforts toward justice, reconciliation, and social cohesion,” the statement said . The community noted that Nigerians have allegedly been victims of fatal mob attacks, extrajudicial killings, unlawful shootings, violent raids, and deaths in police custody . It stated that community records and reports gathered from civil society groups, media publications, and migrant associations showed disturbing patterns of violence against Nigerians between 2019 and 2026 .

The statement recalled that in 2019, several Nigerian-owned businesses, vehicles, and shops were destroyed during widespread xenophobic unrest in Johannesburg and other areas, with at least 12 Nigerians losing their lives during the attacks through mob violence and brutal assaults . It added that in 2022, over 17 Nigerians reportedly died in separate incidents involving criminal attacks, alleged security brutality, and vigilante-style killings . The Nigerian community further claimed that more than 40 Nigerians lost their lives in 2023 alone under what it described as “troubling and unresolved circumstances,” ranging from mob violence to alleged police misconduct and violent confrontations that were never fully investigated .

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The group also disclosed that eight Nigerians reportedly died in 2024, while another eight deaths were recorded in 2025 through shootings, violent clashes, and incidents in police custody . Most alarmingly, from January 2026 to date, the community claimed that over 20 Nigerians had allegedly died during encounters involving security operatives, criminal gangs, and suspected extrajudicial actions . While acknowledging that some investigations were ongoing, the Nigerian community expressed dissatisfaction over what it described as the absence of accountability and justice in many of the cases, stating that the failure to secure prosecutions or transparent outcomes had increased fear and anxiety among Nigerians and other migrants living in South Africa .

“It is important to emphasise that our position is not intended to undermine South Africa’s democratic institutions, law enforcement agencies, or judicial system,” the statement added . The community also acknowledged that many South Africans continued to support peaceful coexistence and reject xenophobia . Despite this, the group urged the South African government to take stronger steps to protect the lives and rights of all residents, regardless of nationality or immigration status, and called for transparent and impartial investigations into all reported cases involving violent attacks, deaths in custody, and alleged extrajudicial killings .

The latest concerns come just weeks after the Nigerian government demanded investigations into the deaths of two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, who were allegedly assaulted by security personnel in South Africa . In response to the escalating crisis, the Federal Government summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lesoli Machele, for urgent talks following renewed unrest . The Nigerian government also began making arrangements for the voluntary evacuation of its citizens from South Africa, with 130 citizens already registered for repatriation as of early May 2026, a number expected to rise .

The National Assembly has also condemned the xenophobic attacks, with the Senate resolving to send a high-level delegation led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio to South Africa to find lasting solutions to the crisis . The House of Representatives called for a review of bilateral relations, including the possible suspension of business permits for South African companies operating in Nigeria and temporary restrictions on trade and aviation agreements . Lawmakers further demanded that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs establish a round-the-clock emergency help desk and a legal support fund for Nigerians affected by the attacks .

Diplomatic pressure on South Africa is mounting as more African countries threaten retaliatory measures over renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals . While no government has officially announced a total closure of borders, threats of blockades, trade suspensions, and heightened security checks are gaining traction across the region in what analysts describe as the most serious diplomatic fallout since the end of apartheid . Neighbouring states such as Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, which account for the majority of South Africa’s migrant population, are on high alert, with many citizens seeking to return home as tensions escalate .

Ghana has also summoned South Africa’s acting High Commissioner, Thando Dalamba, to protest the harassment and intimidation of Ghanaian citizens after viral videos surfaced showing a Ghanaian man in KwaZulu-Natal being confronted by a vigilante group and ordered to leave the country . Nigeria’s government, beyond immediate evacuations, is leveraging regional and bilateral channels to press Pretoria for lasting solutions, with officials reminding South Africa of Nigeria’s significant sacrifices during the anti-apartheid struggle and arguing that the current hostility betrays the solidarity that defined the liberation era .

South Africa’s DIRCO has rejected accusations that the country is xenophobic, describing recent incidents involving foreign nationals as isolated while reaffirming openness to diplomatic engagement . DIRCO Minister Ronald Lamola has engaged counterparts from several African countries, including Ghana and Nigeria, to brief them on developments and reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to protecting the rights of all people living in the country . The department dismissed social media claims that Ghanaian and Nigerian nationals had been killed during recent protests, saying there was “no credible evidence” to support such allegations .

Lamola stated that law enforcement agencies had been instructed to ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors, and to hold perpetrators accountable in accordance with the law . He also noted that South Africa was reviewing its immigration policy framework to better address migration challenges and remained open to “continued diplomatic engagement and constructive dialogue” with African countries on issues of mutual concern . “South Africa will continue to lead with a Pan-African heart,” Lamola said . “Our commitment is to solidarity, the rule of law, and the safety of all who reside within our borders. Migration must be managed through cooperation, compassion and continental responsibility” .

According to DIRCO, about 3 million migrants currently reside in South Africa, approximately 90 percent of whom are from other African countries . The government acknowledged that migration pressures, unemployment, and irregular migration had at times contributed to tensions between local communities and foreign nationals . South African authorities have condemned the attacks as criminal and unlawful, with President Cyril Ramaphosa stating that no one has the right to take the law into their hands . However, with over 118 Nigerians reportedly killed in xenophobic incidents between 2015 and 2026, the Nigerian government insists that rhetoric must now be matched with action .

The Nigerian community urged South African authorities to intensify efforts to protect the lives and rights of all residents, irrespective of nationality or immigration status . It also called for thorough, transparent, and impartial investigations into all reported cases involving violent attacks, deaths in custody, and alleged extrajudicial killings . The group further urged authorities to strengthen measures against xenophobic violence, vigilantism, mob justice, and unlawful conduct by individuals or security personnel, while promoting community dialogue, social integration, and public education to discourage hatred, stereotyping, and violence against foreign nationals .

“No society can thrive where fear, mob justice, or unlawful violence become normalised,” the statement said . “Everyone remains innocent in the eyes of the law until proven guilty in a competent court of justice. We firmly believe that both South Africans and foreign nationals deserve equal protection under the law” . The Nigerian community said it remained committed to peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement with South African authorities in pursuit of a safer society .

Xenophobia: 105 Nigerians Killed in South Africa in 7 Years